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February 5, 2011
Whether you have a wood burning fireplace, wood stove or even a gas model, installing a fireplace screen is a smart move. These items are decorative and functional, creating a safer, more attractive hearth space in your home.
The purpose of a fireplace screen is to protect the area immediately beyond the fireplace opening. Screens stop sparks and flying ash from landing on the flooring or furniture and are absolutely essential when using an open faced fireplace. But this accessory is also helpful on more modern models complete with glass doors.
A fireplace screen is a visual reminder of the heat and danger your fireplace presents. Small children and pets can be held back by a properly placed fireplace screen. When opening and closing the doors on your stove or fireplace, the screen will offer protection for the surrounding area as well.
Beautifully designed fireplace screens also dress up your hearth and add a touch of personal style to the space. Gorgeous, functional and valuable for your family’s safety, a fireplace screen is a smart investment.
February 9, 2010
When dealing with the danger of flames in your fireplace or wood stove, you need to have quality safety products nearby. Be sure that you are equipped to handle the fire with these items.
Hearth Rugs
Generally inexpensive, these rugs sit in front of your fireplace and wood stove to protect the flooring from sparks and ash. They are often made of synthetic fibers and need to pass rigid flammability tests. Alternatively you can install tiles of non-flammable materials around the fireplace or wood stove – such as stone or ceramic.
Hearth Gloves
Fully insulated for protection, these gloves, sometimes referred to as fireplace gloves, are a must when handling wood and tools for use in the flames. Often the exterior is leather, while the inner glove can be felt or something equally comfortable. The fingers should be reinforced for strength.
Hearth Gates and Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are decorative, but they do protect the flooring and surrounding area. For more extensive and stable protection, install hearth gates. These act like a solid fence, are often higher than a screen with a gate for entrance, generally child proof. Made of steel or iron with interlocking sections, hearth gates can be purchased and designed to fit almost any size of fireplace. Perfect when infants and toddlers are around, hearth safety gates give homeowners security while still allowing access.
Thermometers
Useful for maintaining good working order in your fireplace or wood stove, thermometers are also a safety feature. They warn you when the flames have become too hot or too cold, as both situations are unsafe for your home.
Log Racks
A rack specified for log storage can help to contain any tumbling logs. Keeping your fuel stacked tightly and out of the way also deters climbing on and playing in the wood.
Ash Buckets and Tools
These are not only handy but help encourage you to keep the hearth empty of dangerous ash buildup. With a flat shovel and a brush, homeowners can quickly and easily clear ash from the fireplace and into the bucket for disposal.
Glass Cleaners
Specially formulated for the particle buildup from fires, these cleaners will keep the glass door or windows clear. This will allow you to properly see the shape and size of the fire inside. It will also help you to enjoy view of the fire better.
Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety
It is imperative that you have these safety features close at hand when dealing with fire. They will limit dangers and potential damage as well as allow you to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a well built fire with less worry.
February 3, 2010
You have the fireplace you’ve always dreamed of – a hearth where your family gathers for relaxation and warmth. Now all you need is quality and attractive fireplace accessories to complete the picture. Search out these functional accents with the overall scene in mind.
If you own a wood burning stove, your fireplace will not function safely and efficiently without some well chosen fireplace accessories. A fireplace screen is essential to protect your flooring from sparks and ash and to fence off the opening from wandering children and pets. Be sure to choose something large enough and sturdy enough for your family’s needs. Look for a screen that suits the style of décor in your room – from fancy to simple, any style is available.
You will also need a place to store logs and kindling. Often a bin is sufficient, but make sure it is sturdy with a wide bottom to prevent tipping and mess. Look for one with a handle for easy transporting. A shelf or log holder can also be used and is usually more elaborate and decorative. Some have a suede or leather bottom hanging on an iron or brass frame, holding the logs easily and providing some style on the hearth. Make sure that the log holder is large enough for a few lightings but not so large that the wood will sit inside too long.
Look for some tools to use for cleaning and maintenance. A brush for the hearth is essential, with a comfortable, long handle and bristles that can pick up a fair amount of ash. Also a flat shovel is useful for scooping up ash and a lidded bucket or bin will be necessary for carrying it away. Use your bin to transport the fireplace ash into your garden as compost. Bellows are another tool that should be kept handy when burning wood.
Many fireplace accessories are made for safety and maintenance, but can still add style and a finished look. Try to purchase each piece with the whole picture in mind – some accessories even come in matching or coordinating sets. Things like fan kits and damper pulls may come with your fireplace and can be used to coordinate other pieces.
Gas fireplaces often have less accessories due to their burning technology. Still, mantels, hearth rugs and even decorative screens can be found around gas fireplaces, lending a certain atmosphere to the setting. Consider the overall look you want to convey and find fireplace accessories that suit that look. You will be much more content enjoying your fire with all of the functional accents in place around it.
Fireplace screens can be like clothing – functional for warmth and modesty, yet stylish and attractive. Keep in mind that your fireplace is often the natural focal point in any room, and a beautiful fireplace screen will make all of the difference in your décor.
Look for a screen that fits the size of your fireplace. It should sit out on the hearth slightly away from the opening and fold back in to protect the side angles. Fireplace screens are made functionally to protect your flooring and furniture from flying sparks and ash. They also serve as a visual (and physical) barrier to keep children, pets and even careless adults away from the harmful flames.
Fireplace screens come in a wide variety of materials and styles. From the elaborate to the very simple, you are sure to find a screen that suits your taste and decorating. Don’t forget to choose something that suits the overall effect of your fireplace, taking into account the fireplace mantel and all other accessories you will have. Again, think of it as an outfit for your fireplace – each piece will need to coordinate in some way.
Often you will see fireplace screens in black wrought iron. This material and finish lends itself well to a simple shaped screen. Iron can also be flourished with designs and in laid patterns. Wrought iron frames are the easiest to find and will likely be the most economical choice.
Solid bronze fireplace screens are also popular and are often sold along with a brass accessory kit including tools and a log bin or holder. They tend to match any décor and can be found in both plain and embellished designs.
Stained glass fireplace screens are growing in popularity. They are almost always elaborate, with colorful and unique designs that act as artwork for your fireplace. Glass offers good safety features against flames, but the screen itself is more vulnerable to chips and breaks from forces outside of your fireplace. Possibly not the best choice if the screen will be knocked about often. Stained glass fireplace screens are also more expensive than both bronze and wrought iron.
Look around at the different options in fireplace screens. Be sure to take into account the size and shape of your fireplace, any overall décor schemes in the room and the functional needs for the screen itself. You are sure to be able to find the perfect fireplace screen, completing the beautiful picture that is your home’s hearth.
February 1, 2010
If you are looking for a variety of styles and the latest design options, Pilgrim Hearth fireplace accessories is the place to start your search. This trusted manufacturer has provided quality fireplace accessories for generations.
Fireplace screens at Pilgrim Hearth offer models to suit any buyer. Single panel straight screens are sleek and simple to suit the most contemporary décor. Traditional three panel screens provide safety for wood burning fireplaces and prevent embers from shooting sparks onto the floor or carpeting by enclosing the full width of the fireplace opening. The same is true of ultra-safe spark guard fireplace screens that not only enclose the width of your wood burning fireplace but also have a section at the top which meets the facing at the top of the firebox opening. A curved screen offered includes fireplace tools that mount directly on the sides of the screen when not in use.
Modern tool accessory sets feature tools stored in a straight line on a tool stand rather than grouped around the stand as traditionally found. Small sturdy log racks hold enough firewood for two or three firelit evenings with fireplace tools attached to the stand as a set.
Traditional fireplace tool sets can be found with circular stands or of rectangular design with tools featuring bright brass, steel or matte black handles. If you have a tool stand in good condition yet your tools are rusted or old, you can purchase individual tools without stands and even hooks you can use to mount your tools directly on the brick wall of your fireplace.
In addition to the larger wood racks, Pilgrim offers small wood holders. One of the most useful perhaps is the steel holder with a detachable canvas sling. The sling is easily removed from the stand and can be loaded with logs outdoors and then mounted back on the stand by sliding the canvas sling’s handles over the ends of the stand.
Old fashioned bellows are available from the Pilgrim Hearth accessories catalog. Though seldom seen on modern fireplace hearths, the bellows are one of the best fire starting tools available. Bellows at reasonable prices can be difficult to locate today. Pilgrim Hearth offers several decorative designs that not only look great hanging next to your fireplace but work exceedingly well, too.
No fireplace accessory is left out. Hearth gloves, andirons and grates are other Pilgrim Hearth fireplace accessories available to consumers. This is one stop shopping for your fireplace needs.
Fireplace Village carries the entire Pilgrim fireplace accessories line including tool sets, fireplace screens and wood racks. Stop by one of our New Hampshire locations or buy fireplace tools and accessories online.
January 15, 2010
Wood stoves are the most popular and generally efficient way to heat a home using wood. A wood stove can be located anywhere in the home where there is access to a chimney, but should be located centrally in an area that gets a lot of use. There are many great accessories that increase the ease of use, and update the look of wood stoves.
The most effective accessory is the self-powered stove fan which uses heat from your stove to turn itself on, and circulate warm air around the room. As the stove gets hotter, stove fans increases speed, circulating the most air possible. Because the fan uses no electricity it is truly the most efficient way to heat a home, and will also ensure that in the event of a power outage, the home will still be heated. There are also electric options which come with an option to manually control the speed of the fan, and therefore the heat in the room.
Other wood stove accessories that provide ease of use include firewood carriers, which allow ease of transportation between the outdoors and inside to the firewood rack or wood holder. Firewood carriers come in an array of material, including canvas and leather. Many firewood racks come with fireplace tool holders attached. For tight spaces these racks provide a compact way to store firewood, tools and even newspapers.
Cleaning out a woodstove can be a messy job, but with a warm ash vacuum, cleanup is a breeze. Many models have two filters, insuring that no ash or dust escapes into the air. Unlike regular vacuums, warm ash vacuums use a metal container to collect the ash, as opposed to a vacuum bag, which ensures no chance of flare up. This also cuts down on having to purchase replacement vacuum bags.
If small children or animals are present, it is best to surround your wood stove with a protective screen. These screens come with optional wall mounts for a more permanent option. Wood stove screens are also a great way to update the look of a wood stove, as many come with decorative designs on the top or front of the screen. Many screens come with front opening doors, allowing for access to the stove without having to dismantle the whole screen.
Fireplace Village is proud to offer an array of wood stoves and wood stove accessories. Purchase wood stove accessories online or come into any one of our great New Hampshire wood stove shop locations to see more.
December 7, 2009
In these difficult economic times reducing heating bills is a priority. With a high quality glass fireplace enclosure and professional installation, it is possible to reduce heat loss up your chimney both when your fireplace is burning, and when it’s sitting idle.
After burning, your fireplace and chimney system are extremely warm, leading to a powerful chimney draft. This draft is akin to a very large exhaust fan, continually pumping heated air out of your home, and replacing it with cold air from the outdoors. Your fireplace damper should remain open for at least 18 hours after fireplace use, as there are significant levels of carbon monoxide coming from the remaining embers and ash. During this time your hard earned fuel dollars are literally flying up the chimney.
Today’s better quality glass and screen enclosures can be made to be tight fitting to your fireplace face, even to irregular stone surfaces. An interior frame can ensure a tight seal on all four sides, so that when the glass doors are closed, the heat loss is reduced by 95% or more. When opened, these glass doors can fold flat to either side of the opening, allowing access to the spark screens behind. These screens are generally available as doors as well as curtains, so you have a choice when it comes to style and function.
Fireplace Village NH is the largest Fireplace and Stove Shop in NH. We carry an extensive inventory of fireplace doors and enclosures and can custom order fireplace glass doors and fireplace screens. Stop by one of our NH stove shops today.
December 3, 2009
Having guests for the holidays and want to update the look of your old fireplace? Regardless of the type of fireplace, the best way to update its look is with a new fireplace screen. These functional screens are not only a safety precaution, keeping stray ambers in and kids and animals out, but they are also decorative. The New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety recommends the following: Keep a tight fitting screen or glass doors in front of the wood stove or fireplace at all times. Special retaining screens can keep children and pets away from wood stoves and prevent burns.
Fireplace Village, the largest retailer of fireplaces, fireplace screens and fireplace accessories, is proud to carry the Napa Forge line of fireplace screens. The Napa Forge fireplace screen line is backed by a 10 year warranty, and includes some of the best quality, and most distinctive fireplace screens. A favorite of ours is the Leaf/ Scone Tea Light fireplace screen, which brings design and functionality together in a decorative fireplace screen with hanging tea light votives. Stop by one of our NH locations or purchase a fireplace screen online. Free shipping in the continental U.S.
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